China Airlines (CAL) Signs Contract with Airbus for New Flagship A350-1000 Fleet

Today (3/31) China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based carrier, signed a formal order with Airbus for ten A350-1000 widebody passenger aircraft with deliveries to commence in 2029. The new fleet will be flown on long haul routes to North America and Europe, further enhancing the competitiveness of the CAL global network while also providing travelers with a premium flying experience.

 

The signing ceremony was jointly officiated by CAL Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang and Airbus Executive Vice President of Commercial Aircraft Sales Benoit de Saint-Exupery at the Hyatt Regency Taoyuan. The ceremony was also attended by CAL President Chen Han-Ming and witnessed by Administrative Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Kuo-Shian. CAL has embarked on an aggressive campaign of fleet optimization in response to the continued growth in global travel demand. The latest acquisition program includes not only firm orders for ten A350-1000 aircraft but also options for five more. The increased operational flexibility offered by the fleet will strengthen the carrier’s market position in long haul flights, especially for high-demand destinations such as New York and London.

 

China Airlines (CAL) Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang stated that introducing the A350-1000 fleet represents a key milestone for future development. The exceptional performance and spacious cabin of the A350-1000 will provide travelers with a superior flying experience. Additionally, CAL will begin upgrading the cabins aboard its existing fleet of A350-900 aircraft in 2027. Airbus has been commissioned to provide integration and technical services for the cabin retrofit as well. The upgraded aircraft will join the new A350-1000 aircraft to form CAL’s new flagship fleet of A350s with their distinctive Asian aesthetics and branding.

 

Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “We welcome China Airlines to our fast-growing family of A350-1000 operators. As an early adopter of the A350-900, China Airlines has played a pioneering role in embracing cutting-edge aviation technology. By choosing the A350-1000 Long Range Leader, the world's most advanced long haul aircraft, China Airlines continues to elevate its fleet, bringing superior efficiency and comfort to the forefront of long-haul travel.”

 

The new A350-1000 fleet will retain CAL’s three-class configuration of Premium Business, Premium Economy, and Economy class but take inflight comfort to all new levels. A more spacious cabin, high-tech electronic curtains, cabin pressurization and humidity, and a quieter flying environment will all contribute to the comfort of long-haul flights and provide travelers with a premium flying experience.

 

Sustainable corporate development is a top priority for CAL. As the latest generation of widebody passenger aircraft from Airbus, the A350-1000 is fitted with the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine that offers outstanding fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness with fuel consumption and carbon emissions reduced by up to 25%. The introduction of the new aircraft represents CAL’s commitment to network development and fleet modernization. The move will also help the carrier realize its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. CAL will continue to monitor the latest trends in the industry to better meet the needs of travelers, and to provide air travel services that are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and innovative.(2025/03/31)